Caught In A Rip is a debut novel by Eileen Patricia Flynn. The book is set on Long Beach Island, NJ, as the delta variant of the corona virus rages. It begins with a terrifying account of the kidnapping of five year old cousins and desperate efforts to find them. Two generations of the prosperous Farrell family work with police and the children are returned unharmed. A five million dollar ransom is paid. The kidnapper remains at large. In an ironic twist, authorities learn the kidnapper's identity following a horrible accident in which the culprit dies. Miraculously, the kidnapper's accomplices don't die in the crash and are hospitalized with serious injuries. By the time police determine the pair had roles in the kidnapping, they have been released and are nowhere to be found. Police Officer Pamela Parker is convinced there is an Insider who plotted with the kidnapper. She theorizes that the insider tampered with the car, causing the crash. She believes that whoever the Insider is won't rest until the accomplices are dead. Relentless, Parker employs every trick in the book to locate the pair who escaped death in the crash, She succeeds. But in a maddening turn of events a massive forest fire in the Pine Barrens prevents her from placing them in protective custody. They are trapped and in extreme danger - from both the fire and their would be assassin. The narrative's numerous twists and turns along the road of deceit lead to enlightenment. Human motivation is dissected; criminal intent examined; and the ability to cope while overwhelmed by challenges scrutinized. The Reader is left with a sense of satisfaction. Brought several times to the pinnacle of suspense, surprise developments provide gratifying conclusions. All in all, an exceptional read.